Brian Heasley & Carla Harding: Prayer That Heals Divides and Other Lessons from Northern Ireland’s Troubles
Host Steve Cuss speaks with Brian Heasley and Carla Harding of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, drawing from their experiences as a Protestant and Catholic who lived through The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the lasting impact of that divided era. Together, they discuss how prayer, faith, and empathy can bring healing, unity, and peace to both individuals and communities. Through honest reflections on anxiety, spiritual discipline, and grace, Brian and Carla share how the Lectio 365 app helps people stay grounded in God amid life’s pressures. This inspiring conversation offers hope for anyone seeking Christian unity, emotional well-being, and deeper spiritual growth.
Episode Resources:
Is this America’s version of ‘The Troubles’ of Northern Ireland? (San Diego Union-Tribune)
A Brief History of “The Troubles”
Learn more: 24-7 Prayer International
Download & Explore: Lectio 365 (a free daily prayer app)
More about Pete Greig (24-7 Prayer founder)
Carla Harding’s Stories of Prayer (Video)
Books by Brian Heasley
Books by Carla Harding
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life Intensives
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42:46
Clarissa Moll and Steve Cuss on Power Dynamics, Faith, and Inclusive Leadership
Clarissa Moll is back to flip the script on Steve Cuss, unpacking the power dynamics, generational divides, and identity challenges that shape today’s leadership. From Colin Powell’s intentional practices to the biblical wisdom of Jesus and Paul, they explore how emotional safety, vulnerability, and faith create healthier families, workplaces, and churches. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build inclusive communities, authentic connections, and resilient discipleship in a divided world.
Episode Resources:
Colin Powell’s book It Worked for Me
Article: Gen-Z Is Labeled As ‘Difficult’ In The Workplace, But There’s More To The Story
Me Too movement - Mentioned in relation to creating emotionally safe environments.
Exploring Malcolm Gladwell’s "Magic Third" Rule
Article: 'We See Children As Pestilent' (building on the idea attributed to Socrates)
More From Clarissa Moll:
Clarissa Moll’s The Bulletin podcast
Explore Clarissa Moll’s website
Read Clarissa Moll’s substack
Previous Episodes with Steve and Clarissa:
Steve and Clarissa’s August episode of Being Human
Steve and Clarissa’s September episode of Being Human
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life Intensives
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38:19
From Sex Addiction Recovery to Playful Leadership with Matt Wenger, Kyle Strobel, and Ben Mandrell
Hosts Steve and Lisa Cuss look back at insights from Matt Wenger, Ben Mandrell, and Kyle Strobel on the themes of healing, leadership, and spiritual formation. Matt shares insights on overcoming pornography and sex addiction with grace and self-kindness, Ben reflects on playful leadership and resilience during his time at Lifeway, and Kyle unpacks the role of discipleship and spiritual growth in navigating life’s challenges.
Episode Resources:
Explore Matt’s work at the Begin Again Institute
Understanding the Signs and Causes of Betrayal Trauma
More about Ben Mandrell
Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources
Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack
Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It
Read Galatians 3
Complete Episodes:
Sex and Porn Addiction, Misconceptions That Prevent Healing with Matt Wenger
Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel
Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life Intensives
Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters
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27:13
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27:13
Ben Mandrell on Leadership and Resilience in Turbulent Times
Host Steve Cuss welcomes Ben Mandrell, former president of Lifeway Resources and current senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, for a rich conversation on leadership,faith, and resilience when things are good or in flux. Ben shares candid reflections on navigating cultural shifts, organizational challenges, and the personal cost of leadership amid institutional changes. From closing bookstores at Lifeway to finding joy and playfulness even amid tragedy, his journey reveals how presence and discernment sustain both leaders and communities. Steve and Ben explore the power of daily spiritual practices and small acts of connection that strengthen our relationships with God and one another.
Episode Resources:
More about Ben Mandrell
Learn about Bellevue Baptist Church
Read about Ben Mandrell's call to the Bellevue senior pastor role
Read about the turbulent times at Lifeway Resources
Watch Rick Warren's address to the SBC in 2022
Listen to the sermons of Adrian Rogers
Explore the work of Mark Batterson
Read Steve Cuss’ book: Managing Leadership Anxiety
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life Intensives
Explore more CT with our free newsletters: christianitytoday.com/newsletters
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30:48
Beyond Self-Help: Real Spiritual Formation with Dr. Kyle Strobel
Host Steve Cuss and Dr. Kyle Strobel disrupt self-help versions of spirituality and call us back to genuine encounters with Christ. Together we explore how hidden dynamics like assumptions, reactivity, and self-reliance often sabotage spiritual formation—and why cultivating watchfulness in prayer and scripture is the antidote. Drawing from Colossians 4:2, early evangelical practices, and personal stories, Dr. Strobel shows how honesty about our emotions in real time opens the door to true transformation. We also name the dangers of “guruism,” guilt-driven church culture, and unrealistic expectations, pointing instead to authentic growth rooted in humility, friendship, and God’s presence in the ordinary.
Episode Resources:
Read Dr. Strobel’s Formation Substack
Read Dr. Strobel’s book The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It
Read Dr. Strobel’s book Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul
John Coe’s free online Bible courses
An introduction to the life and writings of John Cassian (video)
Read Colossians 4:2
Read Galatians 3
Read Colossians 2
Read Psalm 73
Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders:
Capable Life Newsletter
Join Steve at an upcoming intensive:
Capable Life Intensives
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From Christianity Today, Being Human with Steve Cuss is Christian counseling in podcast form. Steve Cuss, a former trauma and hospice chaplain, pastor, and leadership coach, guides listeners with a gospel-informed journey of discovery into the world of emotional health: everything from anxiety and reactivity, to triangulation, overfunctioning, and the Enneagram.
Höre Being Human with Steve Cuss, happy, holy & confident® Dein Podcast fürs Herz und den Verstand und viele andere Podcasts aus aller Welt mit der radio.at-App